EFFECT OF HR PRACTICES ON EMPLOYEE WELLBEING: A CASE OF TELECOM SECTOR OF PAKISTAN: Shumaila Naz, Ch. Abdul Khaliq

The core purpose of this study is to point out the importance of employee well being at workplace which is an infant area of research in Pakistan. Due to complex nature of effects of bundle of ‘High Involvement’ HR practices on job satisfaction it requires deep investigation. The effect of HR practices on employee performance has already captured the attention in prior literature but little research has been conducted to include employee’s perspective. So with this in mind this paper places employees’ perceptions at central stage of inquiry. To explore the theme, data was collected from sample size of 403 employees including first level managers, executives and officers through structured questionnaire from seven companies in the private sector of telecom. Principle component analysis (PCA) and regression analysis have been used for data analysis. Bundle of HR practices including training, involvement in decision making, compensation contingent on performance and empowerment have a significant positive effect on perceived organizational support (POS) which is also positively related to employee job satisfaction. This paper suggests that effective implementation of ‘high involvement’ HR practices will improve employee job satisfaction through POS. It implies that private organizations should reassess the existing formal HR practices for better results/outcome

Future Time Orientation and Moral Self-image: An Analysis of Adolescents in Private and Government Schools in Punjab Pakistan

The purpose of the present research was to investigate future time orientation and moral self-image in the adolescents of government and private schools. A sample of 300 adolescents was studied from the government and private schools of Kharian, Pakistan by using simple random sampling technique. The construct of future time orientation was measured by using Time Orientation Scale (Zimbardo & Boyd 1999) whereas moral self-image was measured by using Moral Self Image Scale (Jordan, Leliveld, & Tenbrunsel, 2015). The data was analyzed by using simple regression and independent sample t-test. The results revealed that future time orientation was the significant predictor of moral-self-image [R²=.168; F (1, 298) = 60.103, p<.01]. Further, there was difference in the future time orientation of adolescents of government and private school (t (298) = 3.40, p<.05) and difference in moral self-image was not significant (t (298) = 1.02, p>.05). Whereas on gender there was a non-significant difference persist in the future time orientation (t (298) = .62, p>.05) and significant difference identified on moral self-image (t (298) = -2.1, p<.05). It was explored that future time orientation was the significant predicator of the moral self-image. Moreover, there was difference in the future time orientation of government and private school adolescents and no difference on the moral self-image. Moreover, no gender difference was established on future time orientation and a gender difference existed on the moral self-image

Genotypic Characterization of Macrolides Resistance in Clinical Isolates of Staphylococcus Aureus from Rawalpindi, Pakistan

Objective: To determine the patterns of resistance among different macrolides and to detect macrolide resistance genes in Staphylococcus aureus collected from different clinical samples. Study Design: Cross-sectional observational study. Place and Duration of Study: The clinical samples sourced from the Pathology Labs of Railway Hospital, Tehsil Head Quarter (THQ) Hospital Taxila and Wah General Hospital Wah Cantt, Pakistan was collected from 01August 2017 to 01 February 2018. Materials and Methods: One hundred non-repetitive clinical isolates were obtained from different clinical samples (pus, urine, sputum and blood). Each Staphylococcus aureus isolate was obtained from only one sample, to avoid repetition of strain. They were selected on the criteria of their growth with bright yellow color colony formation on mannitol salt agar (MSA) media along with the color change of media from red to yellow and coagulase positive results. Kirbey-Baur disk diffusion test was followed for the detection of antimicrobial sensitivity, whereas genotypic resistance drift was determined using PCR. Results: Highest frequency of Staphylococcus aureus was observed in pus samples i.e. 45 (40.2%). Out of 100, 34 isolates of Staphylococcus aureus were resistant to macrolides group. Among 34 resistant isolates the frequency of ermC gene was 25 and msrAwas 14 respectively, whereas all isolates were negative for ermAgene. Maximum resistance was observed against erythromycin, n=33 (29.5%) and minimum against clarithromycin, n=26 (23.3%). The highest susceptibility trend was seen against Azithromycin, n=62 (55%). Conclusion: Resistance of Staphylococcus aureus may vary with different antibiotics within the same group. A high frequency of erythromycin resistance was seen in this study. The most predominant resistance was for ermC, among the resistance genes in isolates

The synergistic and complementary effects of supply chain justice and integration practices on supply chain performance: A conceptual framework and research propositions

In recent years, firms have been using their supply chain integration (SCI) as a competitive weapon in the intensive, globalised competitive arena. The contingent perspective in supply chain management maintains that it is necessary to observe the interaction between SCI practices and supply chain justice. A critical issue to be resolved is whether this fit leads to synergistic and complementary effects on supply chain performance. In order to contribute to this research problem, we analysed supply chain justice instances in order to determine the importance of supply chain justice, as well as highlights complementary role in SCI and its influences on supply chain performance. A conceptual framework has been developed and five propositions established to verify the contents of a theoretical study. Accordingly, balancing the adoption of SCI practices and supply chain justice will lead to the generation of greater benefits relative to the effect of both independent driving forces on supply chain performance. Furthermore, the proposed framework has been analysed in order to examine its applicability in the South African context. The study thereby suggests the empirical research guidelines and the paper concludes with a discussion of future research

A Study on Balanced Scorecard and Its Impact on Sustainable Development of Renewable Energy Organizations; A Mediating Role of Political and Regulatory Institutions

Artigo publicado em revista científica internacionalOrganizational strategic programs are continuously evolving and gaining the attention of policy makers in order to construct organizations’ ecological and socioeconomic systems. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between the balanced scorecard (BSC) and sustainable development involving the mediated effect of political and regulatory influence. To achieve the core objectives of the research, the quantitative (positivism) research method is applied. The goal of the current research is made possible through the quantitative method because of its objective nature of reality. A total of 320 questionnaires were distributed among the different levels of managers; 280 respondents returned the questionnaire. The data are analyzed through a modern statistical tool called Smart-PLS, Partial Least Squares (PLS) is high graphical user interference software that is used to calculate Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) through PLS path modeling. Factor analysis is conducted to eliminate the variables that have no contribution and to reduce the variables to obtain better results in regression. The implications are for energy organizations that are struggling to deal with sustainable development and these tools can help them to achieve their sustainability goals. The study concludes that the adoption of BSC is essential to ensure sustainable development regardless of its challenges. Moreover, consideration of meta-constitutional rules as political influence is important to understand and address in order to mitigate financial loss. In nutshell, the use of BSC is highly recommended to eliminate the routine problems and to ensure environmental sustainability.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Corporate Risk Tolerance and Acceptability towards Sustainable Energy Transition

The omnipresence of risk prevails in almost every aspect of human life. Individuals and societal factors are pivotal in the decision-making process to judge acceptability and tolerability of risk. Tolerability of risk (ToR) is characterized by dynamism pinned in the process of decision making that helps to gauge the society and individual’s risk. The energy transition implies switching the energy system from fossil fuels or any traditional mechanism to modern renewable sources that are sustainable. The energy transition is paramount important in the current global energy system to attain sustainable goals for organizations. This study used the positivism research paradigm to address the research questions. The quantitative approach helps to examine the cause-and-effect relationship. It also helps to collect systematic information to meet the objectives of the research. A total sample of 300 was selected for the data collection from renewable energy companies. The study used positivism research philosophy applied deductive approach. The data is analyzed through PLS-SEM. It is summarized that the scale of risk acceptability and tolerability in Pakistan is moderate which encourages companies to work progressively and increases sociocultural activities to make society a partner of this new shift in energy transition that will ultimately increase the level of risk acceptability. Nevertheless, as a society, people are neither high-risk takers nor risk avoiders due to income constraints, macroeconomic uncertainty, and political instability.publishedVersio

Community Based Assessment of Behavior and Awareness of Risk Factors of Cystic Echinococcosis in Major Cities of Pakistan: A One Health Perspective.

Background: The parasitic disease, cystic echinococcosis (CE), is a serious health problem in Pakistan. Risk of disease transmission is increased by economic and political instability, poor living conditions, and limited awareness of hygienic practices. The current study aimed to investigate the community perception and awareness regarding the risk factors of CE in Pakistan, from a One Health perspective. Methods: We conducted a community-based survey involving 454 participants in the major cities of Pakistan. Quantitative data based on knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP), the One Health concept, risk factors, and community perception of CE among the general population of the major cities of Pakistan were collected. The questions included those related to knowledge, attitude, practices, One Health concept, risk factors, and community perception. The Chi-squared test was applied to determine the associations regarding KAPs across socio-demographic parameters. Results: KAPs had no significant associations with sociodemographic aspects such as age, sex, religion, ethnicity, education, marital status, occupation, or financial status of the participants. The findings indicated a lack of awareness about CE among the participants. Respondents were unaware of the risk factors and the One Health concept of CE. However, the community attitude and perception were positive toward the control of CE. Conclusion: Illiteracy, deficient sanitation systems and lack of awareness are the contributing factors to CE in Pakistan. It is necessary to make the community aware regarding CE and its importance. Increasing this awareness represents an important step toward the eradication and control of CE

E-tailing Commitment: The influence of product quality and delivery services on e-trust and e-satisfaction in China

Abstract This study proposes and tests an integrative model to examine the relations among product quality and delivery services, e-trust, e-satisfaction and e-tailing commitment in China. Analysis of survey data from 415 customers of e-tailing, Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) has been performed to examine the reliability and validity of the measurement model. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) technique was used to test the hypotheses of the causal model. Our study reveals that product quality and delivery services (i.e. product variety, quality, availability, reliable delivery, package safety and timely delivery) directly influence esatisfaction and e-trust. Thus trust has both direct and indirect (through e-satisfaction) impact on e-tailing commitment. Consequently, both e-trust and e-satisfaction are significant determinants of e-tailing customer's commitment. Managerial implications, research limitations and future research directions are provided in the following presentations of the findings

HOW A SUPPLY CHAIN PROCESS MATTERS IN FIRMS’ PERFORMANCE-AN EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE OF PAKISTAN

In recent years, supply chain processes (i.e. demand management, customer relationship management, and new product development) have gained a great importance from academicians and practitioners. Yet, research into the subject of supply chain processes’ effects on performance is nascent. The purpose of this study is to examine the process dimensions’ effects on supply chain (SC) partners’ trust and firms’ performance as supply chain processes are essential for firms’ competitiveness. The research framework consists of seven hypotheses. An empirical study was conducted in Pakistan, and the data were collected from 164 supply chain firms. The reliability and validity of the model were examined through the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The results delineate that supply chain processes have a significant relationship with SC partners’ trust and performance. Thus, all hypotheses were supported. This study presents interesting theoretical contributions and managerial implications. At last, limitations regarding future research directions are discussed

Heterologous expression and enhanced production of β-1,4-glucanase of Bacillus halodurans C-125 in Escherichia coli

Background: Recombinant DNA technology enables us to produce proteins with desired properties and insubstantial amount for industrial applications. Endo-1, 4-β-glucanases (Egl) is one of the major enzyme involved in degradation of cellulose, an important component of plant cell wall. The present study was aimed at enhancing the production of endo-1, 4-β-glucanases (Egl) of Bacillus halodurans in Escherichia coli. Results: A putative Egl gene of Bacillus Halodurans was expressed in E. coli by cloning in pET 22b (+). On induction with isopropyl-b-d-1-thiogalactopyranoside, the enzyme expression reached upto ~20% of the cell protein producing 29.2 mg/liter culture. An increase in cell density to 12 in auto-inducing LB medium (absorbance at 600 nm) enhanced β-glucanase production up to 5.4 fold. The molecular mass of the enzyme was determined to be 39 KDa, which is nearly the same as the calculated value. Protein sequence was analyzed by CDD, Pfam, I TASSER, COACH, PROCHECK Servers and putative amino acids involved in the formation of catalytic, substrate and metal binding domains were identified. Phylogenetic analysis of the β-glucanases of B. halodurans was performed and position of Egl among other members of the genus Bacillus producing endo-glucanases was determined. Temperature and pH optima of the enzyme were found to be 60°C and 8.0, respectively, under the assay conditions. Conclusion: Production of endo-1, 4 β-glucanase enzymes from B. halodurans increased several folds when cloned in pET vector and expressed in E. coli. To our knowledge, this is the first report of high-level expression and characterization of an endo-1, 4 β-glucanases from B. halodurans.How to cite: Zeeshan N, Naz S, Naz S et al. Heterologous expression and enhanced production of β-1,4-glucanase of Bacillus halodurans C-125 in E. coli. Electron J Biotechnol 2018;34. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2018.05.001. Keywords: Bacillus halodurans, Cellulases, Cellulose hydrolysis, Degradation of cellulose, Endo-1, 4-β-glucanases, Expression analysis, Heterologous expression, In silico protein characterization, IPTG, pET expression system, Plant cell wal